§ 12. Mr. TOUCHEasked the Postmaster General whether he is aware that mercantile houses, while recognising the need for the regulations forbidding coded cablegrams, complain that cable companies have abandoned the practice in use before the War of sending uncoded messages at half rates, subject to twenty-four hours' delay in transmission, if it suited the table companies' purpose, and now charge full rates for similar messages; is he aware that the greater part of a merchant's business is conducted by cable; that the penalties imposed by the cable companies are bringing much business to a standstill, handicapping efforts to do business as usual and to capture trade from the Germans, and are even imperilling efforts to keep establishments in this country open; can he say in what way cable companies seek to justify their present action; and whether he can do anything to persuade them to revert to the practice which they found profitable before the War, and not to seek undue advantages out of the present situation?
§ Captain NORTONThe service of deferred telegrams at half rates has been suspended on the systems of certain cable companies because their lines are so pressed with Government and ordinary traffic that a deferred service, which would of course have to give precedence, would be of quite illusory advantage to the public. My right hon. Friend understands that the cable companies have been in communication with the Treasury as to the possibility of reducing the rates.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Bills of firms in the City in many instances are trebled now in consequence of this?
§ Captain NORTONI am not aware of that fact, but we have no control over the cable companies.
§ Sir J. D. REESCan the hon. Gentleman not establish control as has been done in so many other matters in regard to the War?
§ Captain NORTONWe do not think it is desirable to do so.